Abstract: A circuit generates a test signal useful in verifying the actual delay values of individual delay stages in a digital delay line. In general, the cumulative delay of the delay line defines a window in time having its zero point anchored to the beginning of the delay line. Successive delay stages correspond to successive time bins within the overall time window. The test signal shifts at a known, linear rate in time with respect to a reference signal, which is used to initiate a test cycle. The reference signal synchronizes sampling of the test signal to the beginning of the time window. Samples of the test signal are taken at sample points determined by the actual time delays in the successive delay stages. The observed distribution of test signal edges across the time window may be used to determine the actual delay intervals of the delay line.

Abstract: A near field light emitting element has a first film made of e.g. Al, an intermediate film made of e.g. SiN and a second film made of e.g. Al on an emergent surface of a solid immersion lens made of a high-refractive material. A first hole is made in the first film, and a second hole is made in the second film. The second hole is smaller in area than the first hole.

Abstract: A clockless time-of-flight interval timer includes a tapped delay line register comprising N buffers that each contribute a substantially identical incremental time delay. A latched version of a START pulse associated with an output of transmitted energy from a laser is propagated through the tapped delay line. A DATA signal representing a detected pulse returned from a target is coupled to a block of four comparators each having a different signal threshold. The output of each comparator block is provided as input to one of four channel registers, each register comprising N D-type flipflops separately but synchronously triggerable by tapped incrementally delayed outputs from the N buffers. Channel register outputs are multiplexed and decoded and interfaced with a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines first signal time over threshold (FOT) information and total time over threshold (TOT) information from the channel registers.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent and graft includes a stent made of a continuous helix of zig-zag wire and loops which connect adjacent apices of the wire. The stent is compressible and self-expandable substantially to a pre-compressed configuration. The device also includes a graft secured to the stent and made of a suitable biocompatible material.

Abstract: Determination is made of the amount of liquid housed within a vessel subject to intermittent dynamic forces wherein the liquid in the vessel may be being discharged intermittently. The fluid in the vessel has a liquid level above which is a vessel headspace. A sensing tube of substantially less volume than the vessel is provided. This tube also is subject to the intermittent dynamic forces. The tube has tube headspace that is held at the same pressure as the vessel headspace, e.g., atmospheric pressure. The sensing tube is fitted with a sensor assembly for measuring the level of liquid therein. The tube is in fluid communication with the vessel through an orifice in the vessel whereby the fluid level in the vessel is the same as the fluid level in the tube. The size of the orifice is such that the tube fluid level measured by the sensor assembly is substantially unaffected by the intermittent dynamic forces.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: A modular articulated light curtain is formed by combining straight, curved, or angled modules with straight or angled couplers. Modules include an array of pitched light emitters or light detectors, and have rounded distal ends that mate, mechanically and electrically, with each other or with a coupler. Interconnection of adjacent modules is such that a constant pitch of light emitters or light detectors is maintained. The light curtain comprises an assembly of interconnected light emitting modules spaced-apart from interconnected light detecting modules. One end of each assembly is terminated, while the other assembly end has a cable end module that may include at least one light emitter or detector, and may include a visual indicator, and provides input/output electrical interface to the light curtain.

Abstract: A modular articulated light curtain is formed by combining straight, curved, or angled modules with straight or angled couplers. Modules include an array of pitched light emitters or light detectors, and have rounded distal ends that mate, mechanically and electrically, with each other or with a coupler. Interconnection of adjacent modules is such that a constant pitch of light emitters or light detectors is maintained. The light curtain comprises an assembly of interconnected light emitting modules spaced-apart from interconnected light detecting modules. One end of each assembly is terminated, while the other assembly end has a cable end module that may include at least one light emitter or detector, and may include a visual indicator, and provides input/output electrical interface to the light curtain.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having an acoustic backing layer made of an aerogel material is disclosed. The ultrasound transducer comprises an acoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves. An aerogel acoustic backing layer is bonded to the back side of the acoustic element. A matching layer may be attached to the front side of the acoustic element. The ultrasound transducer may be electrically connected using electrodes directly connected to the acoustic element. Alternatively, the aerogel acoustic backing may be coated with a metalized layer or doped so that it is electrically conductive. Then, the electrodes may be connected directly to the aerogel acoustic backing.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent and graft includes a stent made of a continuous helix of zig-zag wire and loops which connect adjacent apices of the wire. The stent is compressible and self-expandable substantially to a pre-compressed configuration. The device also includes a graft secured to the stent and made of a suitable biocompatible material.

Abstract: A system is provided for assembling an endoluminal prosthesis within a body lumen and for indicating the rotational orientation of a segment of the endoluminal prosthesis during insertion thereof into the body lumen. The system includes prosthesis segments configured for engagement to one another to form the endoluminal prosthesis in the body lumen. The system also includes radiographic indicia defined on at least one of the prosthesis segments and having different radiopacity from the prosthesis segment, wherein the composite radiographic image of the radiographic indicia varies with the rotational orientation of the prosthesis segment in the body lumen. The rotational orientation of the prosthesis segment in the body lumen is indicated by the radiographic image for optional adjustment of the rotational orientation.

Abstract: A stent joining means is provided for joining a first endoluminal stent to a second endoluminal stent to define a continuous lumen through the first and second endoluminal stents. The stent joining means includes two transversely spaced female portions on the first endoluminal stent. The stent joining means also includes a male engaging portion of the second endoluminal stent. The male engaging portion is configured to be entered into one of the female portions in a radially compressed state and thereafter expanded in the female portion such that an outer surface of the male engaging portion and an inner surface of the female portion are interengaged to resist longitudinal movement to prevent separation of the first and second endoluminal stents in service.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue staple and staple applier for use in suspending tissue from an internal support structure. The present invention also relates to a transvaginal method of suspending a bladder neck from an internal support structure, such as the pubic bone, using the tissue staple and staple applier.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: Denier and other optically transmissivity-dependent parameters of yarn are monitored on-line and in real-time with a preferably microprocessor-controlled high frequency modulated-demodulated optically-based system. An LED is spaced-apart from an array of preferably identical photodetector ("PD") diodes that will track one another, with the yarn spaced between one of the PDs. The LED outputs preferably collimated light in response to a periodic LED drive signal, and yarn characteristics will affect light received by at least one PD in the array. An output signal from a first PD is fedback to the LED driver to continuously compensate the system against dust or other factors affect LED transmission and PD light reception. An output signal from a second PD is coupled to a fraction of the drive signal so as to enhance dynamic range. This signal is amplified and AC-coupled to a sample and hold that samples during a stable active portion of the LED drive signal to demodulate the relevant signal.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis formed of a support member with or without a continuous skin totally encapsulating the support member. The skin can include drugs or other leaching agents, or radiopaque material. A portion of the prosthesis can be tapered to fit within a tapered artery. The prosthesis is particularly adapted for use in small caliber arteries.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having an extended focus for enabling an ultrasound imaging catheter to image features at a distance from the transducer with a high resolution and a high penetration depth. The ultrasound transducer is configured such that the acoustic path-length from the periphery of the transducer is increased relative to the acoustic path-length from the center of the transducer thereby increasing the transition length and focal length of the transducer. The ultrasound transducer may include an acoustic element having a convex surface on a side which transmits and receives ultrasound waves. An acoustic backing material may be attached to the acoustic element opposite the side where ultrasound waves are transmitted and received, and an acoustic matching layer may be provided on the convex surface of the acoustic element. The acoustic matching layer may have a substantially uniform thickness such that it also has a convex outer surface.

Abstract: A trim structure for use with safetymats. The trim structure is of two-part construction and includes a rigid base which is fastened to a floor together with a cover formed of a resilient material. The top wall of the cover and the bottom wall of the base carry interlock structures which include releasable engagement members. In an assembled mode, the engagement members function to hold the cover on the base. The top wall is separated from the bottom wall to form a wireguide through which the cables or wires leading from the safetymat can be threaded. The trim structure can be easily disassembled by pulling the cover from the base to cause the engagement members to disengage.